Cech: Chelsea better this
season
tribalfooball.com - September 21, 2006
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says they're a stronger team than last
season's model.
"14 Chelsea players were playing in the World Cup in Germany so
there was not enough time for preparation," Cech told Sport.
"Some of them had a longer vacation, some of them had a shorter
vacation.
"A few lads, for example Makelele, Ballack, Shevchenko and Lampard,
have joined the team later and they had to manage things during ten
days, things that normally take more time.
"Approximately three quarters of our squad played in Germany. That
simply must make an impact.
"Absolutely no [Chelsea are not at 100 percent], but our
performances are better from match to match, we did well on
Sunday," Cech added.
"We won even though we played almost 45 minutes with one man
down.
"The biggest weakness of Chelsea is probably time, if there are new
signings we all need a month to get used to each other, we are
doing that on the fly.
"On the other hand we have such quality players that we can manage
it and so we have won some points, that is a good sign.
"Then [when we get used to each other] we will be even
stronger.
"I believe it will happen as soon as possible, we are improving
step-by-step.
"I believe yes, [Chelsea will be stronger], some new top-class
players have come in here; Ballack, Shevchenko or Cole.
"And there are some more ones; Mikel and Boulahrouz.
"All of them are playing for their countries, they took part in the
World Cup finals.
"Moreover they fit well in the team."